No more federal money for budgets here

After about the middle of 2010 there isn't likely to be much money allocated to the states for their budgets---especially for cities and towns.

We have just obligated ourselves to 10-15
more years of Afghanistan although we will treat it similar to what we do in Korea and Germany as far as deaths are concerned, we will be there.

Same in Iraq.

Since the only way that say a city like Peachtree City or a county like Fayette can reduce their budgets in any significant way (say 20-30%) is either to raise taxes or fees, or to reduce head count 30-40%.

Why more % head count than expenses? Somethings exist and it wouldn't help to burn them down! Real estate.

A school of 500 students instead of 750 would only be able to reduce expenses (out of pocket) by maybe 10%.

The debts would have to be paid or re-financed (if possible) obligating the future.
Yes a cut of 30-40% of fire and police head count would hurt our safety. Closing of some stations would save some power and maintenance costs but increase reaction times somewhat.

It is not my intent here to get into every department for head counts.

This I will say however, You are never going to be able to increase our taxes to keep everything anywhere near where as is now.

I suggest you start the "reserves" NOW.
A hard thing for politicians to do since they are elected.